Two key advantages of online learning are flexibility and convenience. But online learning is a lot more challenging than it may seem. Make sure you're ready to succeed. Online learning can sound so wonderful that some students start with an unrealistic vision. In reality, online courses require just as much, if not more, time and energy as traditional classroom courses. It also requires specific computer skills and learning strategies in order to succeed. Are you ready? See how many items of the following skills you have:
1. Persistence
Persistence is perhaps the biggest key to success in online learning. Students who succeed are those who are willing to tolerate technical problems, seek help when needed, work daily on every class, and persist through challenges.
2. Effective Time-Management Skills
You must be able to manage your time well. Some courses are not taught in real time. Keep a schedule of your classes. Flexibility is one of the great benefits of online learning. It can also be a drawback for a student who procrastinates, is unable to stick to a routine study schedule, or is not able to complete assignments without daily reminders from a teacher. Effective time-management skills don't just happen. They have to be learned. Once you do, they will benefit you throughout your life. Follow the tips below to develop yours:
It takes time to develop good habits, but you'll gain satisfaction from being well-organized and accomplishing your tasks.
3. Effective and Appropriate Communication Skills
Communication skills are vital in online learning because students must seek help when they need it. Professors are willing to help students, but they are unable to pick up on non-verbal cues, such as a look of confusion on a student's face. Follow these tips:
Because of the distance, it is tempting for some students to say things out of anger or frustration that they would never say in person. Online faculty are professionals. Treat them with respect and courtesy.
4. Basic Technical Skills
Online learners need basic technical skills to succeed. These include the ability to create new documents, use a word processing program, navigate the Internet, and download software. Use the online orientation programs. These teach students how to use the University's learning management system and other online tools, but they typically don't cover the basics. If you lack basic computer skills, you may want to find an online tutorial. Check the online school's main website for their hardware and software requirements. Make sure your own computer meets those requirements.
5. Reading and Writing Skills
Reading and writing are the main ways you'll communicate in an online class. Although some hard copies of textbooks might be required, you should be comfortable reading a lot of documents on a computer screen and able to type. Some tests and quizzes have multiple choice questions, but many of your assignments will involve writing short or long answers.
6. Motivation and Independence
To be successful, an online student has to want to succeed. Online learning requires independence, internal motivation, responsibility, and a certain level of maturity. Are you determined and self-motivated to succeed in school? There are many worthwhile reasons to work hard in school. You might want a greater level of personal satisfaction with your future career. Or perhaps it's personal pride in your accomplishments. Or maybe you are seeking a wider range of opportunities available to you with higher education or a higher income.
7. A Good Study Environment
Another critical component of academic success is a good study environment.
Adapted from Minnesota Online High School, Minnesota Department of Education, & https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/education/successonline.html